As a child, Jim Richmond entertained the neighborhood kids by imitating Elvis on his front porch. After listening to his father's gospel group rehearse weekly in their living room, he was inspired to take up the saxophone. He led his own band and went on to major in music at SUNY Fredonia. Jim's serious vocal, songwriting and arranging talents, like his sax playing, have kept him in demand over the years.

Prime Time Funk was formed in 1996 by veteran Rochester musicians James Richmond (sax, keyboard and vocals) and Ralph Ortiz (bass). They assembled their dream band that included Dave Cohen (drums) and Vince Ercolamento (saxophone). The band has grown richer and stronger with each change. The current and longtime lineup features James, Ron France on bass, Andy Calabrese on keyboards, Joe Chiappone on guitar, Ron D'Angelo and Derrick Lipp on trumpets, Michael Edwards on baritone sax and violin, and the incomparable Ronnie Leigh on vocals. Prime Time Funk's debut CD in 2001, Ready and Willing, was co-produced by Grammy® Award-winning producer Jeff Tyzik, Principal Pops Conductor for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.